Penn Calls For Minimum Wage Reassessment
Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has called on the Government to reassess the Territory's minimum wage, citing shifting economic conditions since earlier studies were conducted. Penn noted that previous research had considered figures up to $10 per hour and urged the administration to follow data-driven guidance. The Territory's minimum wage was last raised to $7.25 per hour in July 2025 under a phased approach.
Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is urging the Government to conduct a fresh assessment of the Territory’s minimum wage, arguing that shifting economic realities may have rendered earlier studies outdated. Speaking recently on the Talking Points radio programme, Penn addressed a caller who asked whether the Opposition would press Premier and Minister of Finance Dr.
Natalio Wheatley for a further rate adjustment. Penn recalled that the Premier had previously committed to a phased, gradual increase, noting that several months have passed without visible progress toward the next step. According to Penn, any future wage adjustments must be firmly grounded in empirical research and direct consultation with the business community.
He pointed out that previous government-commissioned studies had examined what the economy could reasonably absorb, with some assessments exploring thresholds of up to $10 per hour. While Penn maintained that the Government should respect the findings of formal assessments and consultations, he stressed that the economic environment has evolved since those reviews took place.
He argued that a fresh review is needed to determine whether the existing rates still align with the cost of living and business viability in the Virgin Islands. The Territory’s statutory minimum wage rose from $6.00 to $7.25 per hour on July 1, 2025, following recommendations from the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee for a phased rollout.
The Government had originally approved an increase to $8.50 per hour that was scheduled to take effect in late 2024, but that move was halted following strong pushback from the private sector and the wider community. Premier Wheatley has since defended the decision to settle on the $7.25 baseline.
He noted that the administration had to balance the immediate needs of low-wage earners against the financial health of local businesses, warning that overly aggressive wage hikes could trigger job losses and enterprise closures across the Territory.
Primary source: BVI Platinum