Salary increases shouldn't be arbitrary

The Legislature recently voted to raise the starting salary for government employees from $27,000 to $35,000. On the surface, it sounds like a win. But it’s the wrong solution to the wrong problem, and it's actually a distraction from the deeper issue.

Let’s do the math. The minimum wage in the Virgin Islands is $10.50/hour. A $27,000 salary equals $12.98/hour. Bumping it to $35,000 jumps it to $16.83/hour. That’s nearly 50% more than minimum wage, regardless of performance, tenure, or added responsibility.

I don't like comparing the VI to states, but here's some context: The starting government salary in the Virgin Islands is on par or higher than minimum wage in 5 states popular with Virgin Islanders:
Florida: $13/hr, Virginia: $12.41/hr, Georgia, North Carolina, & Texas: $7.25/hr

The new starting salary means that an entry-level government employee in the Virgin Islands, often someone just out of high school, can start at a significantly higher wage than both our local private sector and their peers in several U.S. states. That’s not a ladder of opportunity, it’s a ceiling of complacency.

Instead of arbitrary raises, we need structural reform. Here’s where we should start:

1. Fully fund and honor negotiated salary increases. Too many employees stagnate because raises are promised but never paid.
2. Implement a merit-based pay system. Reward excellence, professionalism, and initiative, not just time on the clock.
3. Create clear career paths. Tie promotions and salary bands to skills, certifications, and performance.
4. Invest in training and development. Equip employees to grow into higher-paying roles instead of locking them into entry-level pay for years.

People shouldn’t spend five or ten years at the same salary. Public service should be a career with purpose and progression, not just a paycheck with a higher starting line.

Any surgeons in the house? This place could use a few new backbones.