V.I. Dept. of Finance Faulted for Failing to Pay National Guard Pensions on Time

National Guard leaders expressed frustration over DOF's failure to release pension payments to former VING members, leaving about 45 pensioners unpaid despite funds being allocated in the budget

The V.I. Dept. of Finance has once again been blamed for its failure to make payments to yet another group of Virgin Islanders. This time, it is former members of the V.I. National Guard who qualify for their pension package.

The government of the Virgin Islands sponsors a $200 monthly pension for V.I. National Guard members, designed to bridge the financial gap until they reach the age of 60. This pension is provided because National Guard members must complete 20 years of service and wait until they turn 60 to begin receiving regular retirement payments. The $200 monthly pension helps to support these members financially during the interim period, acknowledging their long-term commitment and service to the territory.

During the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance meeting on Tuesday, Senator Dwayne DeGraff raised questions about the status of pension payments. "Have those individuals waiting for their pensions been paid?" he asked. Adjutant General Kodjo Knox-Limbacker responded that only some pensioners have received payments in recent months, with "about 45 of them" still awaiting payment.