The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed a contract with Trinidad-based consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services Limited (PwC) to conduct a public service compensation review for a period of nine months.

The review aims to address remuneration disparity, to further support the retention, engagement and motivation of skilled and competent officers to effectively deliver public services, and to move toward a ‘Total Rewards’ Scheme that promotes high performance.

His Excellency, the Governor, Mr. John James Rankin CMG in remarks at the launch event for the compensation review said that he is committed to supporting a top class Public Service consisting of well-trained, highly skilled and motivated officers who deliver an effective service to the public as a whole. 

Governor Rankin said, “In order to achieve that goal, we need a properly paid public service, with compensation levels designed to recruit, retain and reward those whom we need in the modern world in which we live.”

Premier and Minster of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley said the contract cements the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Public Officers will be properly compensated for the highly significant roles they perform.

“In order to retain the best talent, we have to provide fair compensation and benefits. We must also bring more value to the critical areas that help our society to grow. We are going through a Public Service transformation to better serve the public. This cannot happen without a high quality, fit-for-purpose Public Service,” the Premier added.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. noted that by the end of the review, the Government will have data that reflects how the current compensation scheme values people’s resources, time, and commitment.

The Deputy Governor said, “If the results of this compensation review equates to better and greater salaries, it will come with greater demands for Public Officers—the demands that we have already started to do with our own [Public Service] transformation programme. Therefore, while we can celebrate this project, we still have more work to do. We have to make sure that we transform our Public Service to ensure our clients are receiving the level of service that they desire.”

Financial Secretary, Mr. Jeremiah Frett, said the exercise, while delayed, is necessary economically and it is in the best interest of the Public Service and stressed the importance of the support of all stakeholders in the transformation process.

Acting Director of Human Resources, Ms. Kaisa Penn, said that it is her view that the Compensation Review demonstrates that her department is taking care of Public Officers; and is doing its part to be responsive to their concerns and needs.

“After more than some 16 years since the last compensation review, we are confident that at the end of this review we will stand in a more informed position regarding the status of compensation in the public service,” Ms. Penn affirmed.

Partner and Consulting Leader of PwC Trinidad and Tobago, Zia Paton was unable to physically attend the launch event and submitted her remarks via video presentation. Ms Paton said her firm is committed to building trust in society and driving sustained outcomes.

“We have deep global and regional experience delivering similar job evaluation and compensation exercises for our clients,” Ms. Paton said, adding, “Job evaluation and compensation projects lay a strong foundation upon which to build a leading Public Service. We are committed to delivering value and look forward to working with the local team.”

Meanwhile, President of the Civil Service Association (CSA), Ms. Sasha Flax, said her association recognised that there are many issues plaguing public officers and is grateful to the Government of the Virgin Islands for all its efforts in aiding public officers and continuing to see their value.

Detective Sergeant Kenrick Davis also expressed gratitude on  behalf of the Police Welfare Association stating, “ “I am so grateful that we are a part of this consultation where we can tell you what the issues are which are unique to what we do…I look forward to the consultations that I and others will participate in with enthusiasm.”

The total value of the Public Service Compensation Review Contract with PwC is Three Hundred and Two Thousand, One Hundred and Three Dollars ($302,103.00).

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to effective human resources leadership and partnership to drive Public Service Excellence.