British Virgin Islands Public Officers Boycott Public Service Week Amid Salary Disparity Protests

Public Service Week Marred by Boycott

Public officers across the British Virgin Islands (BVI) reportedly engaged in a boycott of official Public Service Week events, held from October 5 to 10, 2025. The action was a protest against substantial salary increases awarded to legislators in late 2023, which took effect on January 1, 2024, contrasting sharply with the minimal or non-existent raises received by many civil servants. The boycott saw public officers abstaining from various celebratory activities, including sports events and an awards ceremony.

Legislators' Significant Salary Hikes Under Scrutiny

The core of the public officers' discontent stems from a December 19, 2023, decision by members of the House of Assembly (HoA) to approve significant salary adjustments for themselves. This decision, made at an informal meeting just two days after the national budget was passed, resulted in a 119% collective increase in legislators' salaries, raising the total from $681,000 to approximately $1.49 million. The increases were based on the maximum range recommended by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a consultancy firm that conducted a public service compensation review.

Notable individual increases included the Premier's salary rising from $72,000 to $176,243, a 145% jump. Other positions also saw substantial raises:

• Deputy Premier: $65,000 to $152,015 (134% increase)
• Ministers: $60,000 to $127,788 (113% increase)
• Junior Ministers, Speaker, Opposition Leader: $45,000 to $103,560 (130% increase)
• Deputy Speaker: $40,000 to $79,870 (100% increase)
• Regular Members: $36,000 to $71,230 (98% increase)

Auditor General Sonia Webster's report, laid in the House of Assembly on September 16, 2025, highlighted the secretive nature of these approvals and warned of major implications for retirement benefits and long-term public finances. The report noted a lack of public disclosure regarding the decision and its broader financial impact.

Civil Servants Express Frustration Over Compensation

In stark contrast to the legislators' gains, the Auditor General's report indicated that 93% of civil servants were placed at the bottom of their new salary scales under the PwC recommendations, with only 7% positioned higher to prevent pay cuts. Many public officers, particularly those in middle grades or with long service, reported receiving little to no noticeable increase in their salaries.

Further exacerbating the situation, automatic annual increments for public officers have been discontinued, replaced by a performance-based scale that some officers describe as 'almost unattainable.' Additionally, public officers are reportedly still owed increments from past years, with payment promised for 2027.

Official Responses and Calls for Transparency

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, when questioned about the alleged boycott, stated he was 'unaware' of any planned action. However, he acknowledged the potential for civil servant dissatisfaction, noting that while some benefited significantly from the salary review, others saw little change. He stated, 'That's something we have to correct, but we need the resources to do it.' The Premier encouraged disgruntled officers to address their concerns through official channels, such as the Deputy Governor's Office.

The House of Assembly has acknowledged the 'public interest and concern' following media coverage of the salary increases. They have appealed for 'patience' from the public as they undertake a thorough review of the Auditor General's findings and prepare a formal response, reiterating their commitment to transparency and accountability.