Potter urges governor to not implement pay raises for himself, lt. governor; Bryan doubles down

ST. CROIX — Senate President Milton Potter is urging Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to not implement any salary increases for himself or Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach at this time, as doing so would “exceed the scope of executive authority and conflict with the established legal framework,” according to a letter obtained by WTJX that Potter wrote to the governor.

Potter, in his letter dated February 3, noted that he wrote the governor to address concerns regarding the recent recommendations of the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission on salary increases for executive positions within the VI government. Bryan, during an interview on Saturday with Jamila Russell, host of the “Just Jamila” radio talk show on WSTX 970-AM, said he will take his raise. “It’s the law,” Bryan said. When asked to comment on Potter’s letter, Government House maintained its position.

“Act Nos. 7878 and 8384 are law,” Richard Motta Jr., Government House spokesperson, wrote in a text message. “The governor of the Virgin Islands will not take any action that contravene those laws.” Act No. 7878 established the Public Officials Compensation Commission in May 2016 to review the salaries of public officials and make recommendations for changes. Act No. 8384 amended the law in October 2020, offering key changes that required the Commission submit a report by May 30, 2022 and clarified the Commission’s recommendations would be automatically approved if the Legislature failed to act upon them within 90 days.