We are disappointed that Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has decided to sidestep the advice of his own Minimum Wage Advisory Committee and increase the baseline hourly wage only to $7.25 …
May 8, 2025
January 6, 2025
Premier blames wage-boost delay on cost-of-living concerns
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has acknowledged that low-paid workers were let down by the government’s sudden decision to delay a minimum-wage increase just before Christmas, but he said the planned …
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January 2, 2025
Economy takes centre stage at budget debate
The House of Assembly passed the 2025 budget with amendments on Dec. 19 after a lengthy debate over two days that touched on the economy, infrastructure, healthcare, the minimum wage …
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December 28, 2024
EDITORIAL: After 7 years of strife, the VI must emerge stronger
The past 12 months have not been easy for the Virgin Islands, but 2024 nevertheless brought glimpses of the light at the end of a tunnel the territory entered when …
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December 20, 2024
Chamber seeks answers on minimum wage
Business leaders are seeking answers after the government suddenly delayed a much-vaunted increase in the minimum wage. Confusion still surrounds the reason for Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley’s decision to postpone …
December 18, 2024
EDITORIAL: Raise the minimum wage already
Government’s recent decision to suddenly postpone the long-planned minimum-wage increase was not acceptable. The $2.50-per-hour increase to $8.50 per hour, approved by the House of Assembly earlier this year, was …
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July 29, 2024
EDITORIAL: Minimum wage needs more regular review
The government’s decision to increase the minimum wage from $6 to $8.50 per hour at the end of November is an important step in the right direction. But for too …
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June 10, 2024
Premier won’t say if he could live on $6 an hour
Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has sidestepped the question of whether he could live on $6 an hour as a review of that minimum wage is set to go before …
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May 13, 2024
Minimum wage report submitted to government
Low-paid workers in the Virgin Islands came a step closer to a possible minimum wage increase as a special report on the matter was submitted to the government for consideration. …
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April 18, 2024
After raises, all public officers said to earn ‘living wage’
All of the territory’s 2,499 public officers are now earning at least a “living wage” under a new salary structure implemented last month following a review carried out by consultant …
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April 12, 2024
Minimum wage boost is ‘likely,’ Smith says
The $6-per-hour minimum wage is “likely” to increase after the findings of a committee reviewing the matter are presented to government by the end of the month, according to Deputy …
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November 16, 2023
Committee to review minimum wage
Someone earning minimum wage in the Virgin Islands would make $240 per week while working full-time. In one month, that number would be about $960 before taxes and social security. …