Blyden Offended by Public Sentiment on VIPOCC Salary Recommendations

Blyden expressed frustration over the public's reaction to VIPOCC salary recommendations during the 36th Legislature’s first sitting, emphasizing his commitment to working for the people while addressing concerns about transparency and economic priorities.

Comments made by Senator Marvin A. Blyden in the first sitting of the 36th Legislature may have fanned the flames of discontent currently felt by Virgin Islanders over salary increases recommended by the V.I. Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC). These salary adjustments – including increases of over $40,000 for the governor and lieutenant governor – took effect on January 1, after the legislature failed to review the recommendations within the stipulated window. According to then-Senate President Novelle Francis Jr., he never received the email. A subsequent legal opinion requested by Senator Kenneth Gittens contends that the raises are invalid as the Senate was purportedly never in receipt of the report. However, the initial claim by Senator Francis has seemingly been debunked, with the Consortium obtaining an email thread that appears to show that Senator Francis did receive the electronic correspondence.