Premier Andrew Fahie announced the news on Tuesday, at the handing over ceremony of the North Sound Administration Building which was rededicated in honour of John E. George.

Premier Fahie was speaking on the subject of providing more and better opportunities for locals to make living and working in the territory more attractive.

“That is why the DG (Deputy Governor) has moved with us towards the Cabinet and I, who announced today that we have ordered a revision of the salary of every public officer. People have to start being paid what they are worth,” Fahie stated

“I know some listening would say, ‘well all right what that have to do with this building?’ We could get more buildings once we pay people properly, and we will have people working and coming back home because they realise that their talents and the money that they spent getting that degree is now worth it,” the Premier added.

Review to take 6-12 months

Fahie, who is also the Minister of Finance, said he expects many questions to be raised by some people regarding the timing of the decision. But, he argued that it is necessary for the betterment of the BVI people.

“It’s going to be asked, ‘why do that during COVID when money is tight?’ But we are people of faith. You don’t prepare for when it get better you prepare to get better. And this review will take six months to a year, and by then COVID supposed to be finished and if it isn’t finished, under control, but at least by then the new salary scales will be done and you’d be paid for your worth,” he stated.

Will not be expanding Public Service

Premier Fahie also cancelled any speculations as to whether there will be an increase in the size of the overall public service.

He said: “That doesn’t mean that we are going to increase the public service, please. But it means those who are there going to get their worth. That’s a government working for you, the people of the Virgin Islands.”