Politicians’ pensions boosted on top of Greedy Bill payouts
The Auditor General (AG) has warned that the massive salary increases legislators quietly approved for themselves last year is sure to give their pensions another boost on top of increases that were already granted under the Retiring Allowances (Legislative Services) (Amendment) Act, 2021 — widely referred to as the “Greedy Bill.”
Under the Greedy Bill, higher salaries and emoluments lead to larger post-term payouts. The act sparked public outrage when it was passed because of these stipulations.
Now, the AG has cautioned that this latest round of salary hikes will likely push those pensions even higher, compounding the long-term cost to taxpayers.
“The potential impact of these new salaries on retirement benefits and pensions under amended legislation for HOA members has not been discussed or addressed,” the report, tabled in the House of Assembly on September 16, said.
Auditor General Sonia Webster’s new report revealed that while the House of Assembly members were presented with the consultant’s recommendation to increase their salaries to a minimum range — estimated to cost $465,657, legislators instead voted in an informal meeting to adopt the maximum range. That decision more than doubled their existing pay and required an additional $809,652 in the 2024 budget.
The increases took effect January 1, 2024.
The AG also noted that legislators sent a memorandum, telling the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Financial Secretary about their decision to adopt the maximum salary range.
However, they made no mention of the effect this would have on their already enhanced pensions.
“Other important implications with respect to the recently increased pension benefits for HOA members in 2021 were not addressed in the Acting Clerk’s memorandum,” Webster wrote.
Webster said the salary raises and their resulting pension implications were implemented “without any form of public disclosure,” raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Salary increases for the wider public service
References salary adjustments to the wider public services, the AG’s report further revealed that while the public was told those would cost $9.4 million, the Ministry of Finance had internally estimated the real cost could exceed $27 million. That higher estimate was not presented to Cabinet or the HOA before the budget was approved.
Webster recommended that the government disclose the full cost of the salary increases, including the pension implications, and explain why legislators were not informed of the potentially higher costs before approving the pay hikes.
The new AG report has already reignited public anger, with many residents voicing concerns that elected officials are prioritising their own financial security over the country’s strained finances.
Some social media commenters have called for greater transparency and even suggested that the salary and pension increases be rolled back.
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Why doesn’the retirees receive pension increases?..
We continue to be swallowed up in inflation.
We are hunans too.
We have laboured very hard.
We have built this,country. Doesn’t anyone care?
We are hurt that the premier suggested tha5 pensioners need to find another job. Some of us are unable to work. This is so insulting.
I remember when the premier said this, all then he already gave himself an extra $100,000.00 plus a year. What he said was very disrespectful yes.
Ayo go vote him back right there
these politicians are c r ** k s
This is sad every last one of them are looking out for their own pockets
Dishonest set of cro..ks
Very deceptive but they have all been exposed
Please take the wheel. Suspend the constitution. Disband this group of corrupt thieves.
Why hasn’t the Brit Governor finally stepped in to take control of this disaster? Is he really as incompetent as everyone says he is?
This hurts so good.
They are ALL the same and with these new salaries you will see 100 candidates for next elections. Keep being clowns and getting upset when the curtain is pulled and you are expected to perform for the crowd.
Virgin Islands future hinges on good governance, not just democracy.
Competence and accountability must trump periodic votes.
Let’s demand leaders who serve, not thief.
@ Anonymous: And make sure you vote for change.
Clap clap clap clap clap! I am on my feet standing and applauding the magnificent work of this incredible Natalio Wheatley government. The best government in the history of the Virgin Islands. People, let us not forget how his administration has
Giving a 20 plus percent pay raise to minimum wage workers, with more raises to come. Plus pay raise to the public service workers.
Actively working overtime to fix our infrastructure, plus sewage and pipeline fixtures, schools, community centres and so on
This government deserves to give themselves a pay raise thanks to the wonderful work they have done.
Y’all need to stop dropping the ball by minding people business looking to see how much they making and mind your own. Most of you would have taken the increase with joy if you were a law maker. Government officials are leaders and deserve leader salary, so stop the noise.
master WEATIE, Is saying)> they are just finding out how smart we really are and they ain’t seen anything yet .
THIS THE NEW AGE GROUP AND THEY ARE MAKING A STATEMENT FOR THE YOUTHS TO FOLLOW / SO HOW ARE YOU GONNA DEMAND ON THEM ( ITS DEM WHO RUN TINGS HAE ) THE SMILE ON HIS FACE SAYS IT ALL • MEANWHILE THE KING ON HIS YELLO SITE KEEPS HOLLERING OUT HIS USUAL
HYPOCRITICAL RACIST NARRATIVES
ON THE WHITE COLONIALIST SLAVE
MASTERS DID THIS – DID
THAT – & DOING EVERYTHING BAD
TO US / BUT NOT A WORD ON WHAT WE ARE DOING TO OUR OWN BY OUR SO CALLED ENTITLED
BVISLANDERS • ON THE STREETS IT IS SAID HE NEEDS “SPIRITUAL HEALING ” SO WE HAVE TO EXCUSE HE
It would be nice to hear what their campaign speech will be this election cycle
Family and friends are struggling to understand
But this is utter advantage of the Government purse
We cannot get it better than that
Who has their feet on our necks
The white man
Expatriates
Belongers
The locals
The Journalist
The permanent secretaries
The Caribbean leaders
Well sah!!The Premier trying to justify the increase
Comparing it to other Caribbean leaders
My BVI is corrupt as it gets
Want Independence!!! Moo Moo said the cow
Th
The wutlisses set of politicians in BVI history!
Giving them big money to go on a nice vacation then they no longer Lions, they become Lambs…No more fighting voice, no more doing it for the people. Sad. Righteousness don’t need friend, nor company and don’t take Bribe. That’s why Bob Marley is my favourite voice, favourite human being ever lived. “No Bribe, can’t be Silence”.
At the end of the day, do your homework and vote .
All this on top of the greed bill benefits…..SMH. We are in trouble. High cost of living, poor infrastructure and criminals representing us in the HOA. When will we ever get it right.
I will say it again.
All who voted for VIP and corner lady, I hope ayo ain’t getting not one single kickback. Let ayo yuh see red fire in ayo eyes.
I know this bunning ayo.
This is the reason none of them are trying to join a vote of no confidence they were all bought off and paid for !
Wait until we hear the allowances.. wow..