Pay finally ready, public workers told

After missing two deadlines to pay public officers for work done throughout the second half of September, Government said the payments are finally available.

Deputy Governor Rosalie Adams, who is in charge of the public service, today disclosed: “I am pleased to announce that Government’s payroll for 30 September was successfully completed and submitted to local banks for processing. It will be payable on Friday, 13 October.”

The payments should have been made at the end of September, but were postponed initially until October 9, and then until today.

Deputy Governor Adams previously blamed the delay on ‘reduced power to the Central Administration Complex which could not fully sustain Government’s server system’.

The Complex, which houses several of the most powerful Government offices, is among thousands of buildings severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Irma on September 6.

The deputy governor, in a media release this morning, lauded public officers who have made the payroll possible.

“Life after Hurricanes Irma and Maria has its share of complexities, but has provided new appreciation for processes that were once taken for granted. I am however grateful for the dedication, commitment, and support of public officers during this time – and their willingness to remain committed to the task of rebuilding our Virgin Islands,” the deputy governor continued.

“Countless hours were spent by scores of public officers to ensure the end of September payroll was processed this week. I wish to publicly commend the teams from the Human Resources Department, the Ministry of Finance, the Treasury Department, the Facilities Management Unit, the Department of Information and Public Relations, and the Department of Information Technology who worked tirelessly under very strenuous conditions to process this payroll… Public officers are encouraged to continue to strive for public service excellence as we restore Government services; and the rebuilding of our Virgin Islands.”