BVI Lawmakers' Salaries More Than Double With
The British Virgin Islands' House of Assembly has committed to reviewing the Auditor General's report that exposed a 119% salary increase for lawmakers, following public outcry and concerns over transparency and financial sustainability. The review aims to address the implications for pensions and public finances, with a formal response anticipated.
In a recent development that has sparked widespread debate across the British Virgin Islands, the Auditor General's special report has shed light on the significant salary increments awarded to members of the House of Assembly (HOA) for the year 2024. According to a detailed examination by JTV, during an informal session on December 19, 2023, HOA members decided to increase their collective pay from $681,000 to nearly $1.5 million.
This adjustment, a 119% rise, has been met with concerns over its impact on the territory's public finances and the procedure through which it was enacted. The salary hike, surpassing the initial recommendations by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for a 68% minimum increase, necessitates an additional $809,652 in the 2024 budget.
Notably, the Premier's salary saw the largest jump to $176,243 from $72,000—a 145% increase, with other significant raises allocated to the Deputy Premier, ministers, and HOA members. Auditor General Sonia Webster, in her report dated May 27, 2025, highlighted the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the potential strain on retirement benefits and long-term public finances.
The report criticized the approval of these salary hikes, effective from January 1, 2024, without public disclosure or a detailed discussion on their broader implications. In response to the public outcry and the detailed findings of the Auditor General, the House of Assembly has pledged to undertake a thorough review of the report.
In a press release issued on September 17, the House reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process. It assured the public that a comprehensive response, inclusive of extensive information, will be provided following a formal debate and detailed examination of the report's findings.
The House's decision to review the Auditor General's report follows concerns that the salary increases could undermine fiscal transparency and public trust, particularly since the review was originally aimed at civil servants and not elected officials. The report also pointed to a disparity where 93% of civil servants were placed at the bottom of their new salary scales, while legislators placed themselves at the top.
This commitment to review and respond to the Auditor General's findings marks a significant step towards addressing the public's concerns over governance and financial management in the British Virgin Islands. The legislative body's forthcoming formal response is awaited with keen interest by residents and observers alike, as it promises to shed further light on the rationale behind the salary adjustments and their implications for the territory's future.
Primary source: BVI News