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Increments were withheld to deal with 'other things’ – Premier Smith

- stops short at saying exactly what monies were used for
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith said last evening May 12, 2015 that the Government had to withhold payment of increments because the National Democratic Party (NDP) needed the money to do other things. Photo: VINO
What the Premier did not say is that the payment of the increments came as a result of heavy agitation by members of the Opposition primarily Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3). Photo: VINO/File
What the Premier did not say is that the payment of the increments came as a result of heavy agitation by members of the Opposition primarily Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3). Photo: VINO/File
CAPOON’S BAY, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith said last evening May 12, 2015 that Government had to withhold payment of increments because the National Democratic Party (NDP) needed the money to do "other things".

He was speaking at an NDP community meeting in Capoon’s Bay Tortola to launch the campaign of Shaina M. Smith who is contesting the First District under the NDP banner, seeking to upstage incumbent Hon Andrew A. Fahie of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

“…We recognised that we had to be thrifty. Remember what our mothers thought us to be thrifty and not spend spend spend? And so we held back on the civil servants’ increments just for a little while because we needed that money. But now those increments are being paid,” said Premier Smith.

He, however, did not go into detail as to what was financed as a result of the increment being withheld. He mentioned that the VI did not have to go the route as to cut civil servants salaries or send them home as has happened in other Caribbean countries.

Opposition pressure

What the Premier did not say is that the payment of the increments came as a result of heavy agitation by members of the Opposition, primarily Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3).

It was in February 2015 that after three years of pressure, questions in the House of Assembly and speeches by Hon Fahie and Fraser that the Smith led NDP Administration surrendered to the will of the Opposition and announced that they will pay the increments due to the officers.

This was made public in a statement by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, during the Third Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Second House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands held on Thursday, February 12, 2015.

Hon Fraser first raised the issue

It was the VIP Chairman Honourable Fraser who first raised this issue in 2012/13 about the civil servants increments and has been consistent in advocating for civil servants to be paid their due increments. It was again hammered home by senior member of the VIP Honourable Andrew A. Fahie at his speech and report to the people of the first district on payment of performance increments for Public Officers in his January 24, 2015 speech at Capoon’s Bay Recreational Grounds on Tortola.

It is fitting to note that while the Premier gave the reason of belt tightening for the withholding of the increments, expensive consultants during the same period were being hired to work on Government projects.

In a brief statement the Minister of Finance Hon Smith told the HoA, “Madame Speaker, the payment of increments will begin by end of February 2015 until all eligible officers are paid their 2013 increments”.

The Premier also stated that “when this is complete increments for 2014 will be addressed”, however, he did not give a time frame for when the long overdue payments of increments are expected to be completed.

The Premier and Leader of Government business told Ministries and Departments “to be even more efficient and committed to delivering goods and services to our clients as we collectively work towards the continued growth and advancement of this Territory”.

Under the VIP Administration civil servants have always been paid their increments and there were no layoffs despite the global economic crisis hitting hardest at the time. 

57 Responses to “Increments were withheld to deal with 'other things’ – Premier Smith”

  • zoe (13/05/2015, 18:47) Like (29) Dislike (10) Reply
    Vip all the way bossie
  • question (13/05/2015, 18:50) Like (59) Dislike (2) Reply
    Other things like what? Fireworks?
  • Plank (13/05/2015, 18:52) Like (40) Dislike (2) Reply
    Where are the Nurses increment?---Because most of them cannot vote---they are the one most entitle for increments...That`s why I hate church--I love God----These preachers and so Call Godly people. hmmm. It really hurts me.. I am not a Nurse but when I hear them talk--I feel their pain--they are loyal and hard working professionals --Those who can vote swear they are not voting for Ronnie.---its not good. not good at all. MS. P Speak about that--you like to speak your mind.
  • GTFOH (13/05/2015, 18:57) Like (115) Dislike (3) Reply
    Increments were withheld to save the sharks, Crabs and further enrich the investment club. This is a government that promised to make consumer protection laws, deal with the high cost of living but instead gave tax exemptions to the ones that need it least, the merchants. Landlord tenant act , why deal with this now none of us renting that's the attitude of Dr. Smith and his stooges. These issues do not affect him or any of his associates so it will never be a priority. This government is definitely not for middle and lower class. 4 years is not enough to do everything but they quit their jobs with 6 months left without attempting to deal with these issues. They talked about high unemployment but they employing all ex party members while people coming home with 3 degrees and cant find work.
    • @GTFOH (13/05/2015, 20:42) Like (19) Dislike (95) Reply

      JACK @$$....THE BVI INVESTMENT CLUBS IS MADE UP OF LOCALS. WHO DO YOU WANT THEM TO ENRICH ?
      BI-WATER? WHO ARE WHITE PEOPLE ? I SWEAR YOU NEED TO GET PUT BACK ON THE SLAVE SHIP AND SHACKLE YOUR NAKED BACKSIDE, TO GET SOME COMMON SENSE, GOSH!!!!

      • GTFOH (14/05/2015, 09:08) Like (69) Dislike (1) Reply
        Now you are the real jack@$$, You think the other 29,000 people in the BVI are foreigners? You think we only have one contractor in the BVI, one catering service in the BVI, you think only NDP associates or ex party members are the only qualified people in the BVI. You think speaking in caps make your comments more plausible. You better come better than that.
      • SMDH Again (14/05/2015, 10:29) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
        Not surprised that some fool would come on here talking about the BVI Investment club being local and justifying the crap that these people do for themselves while raping the treasury and peeing on the people of this territory. Drinking too much of the koolaid, perhaps. The Sandinistas in Cuba were local, Idi Amin in Uganda was local, Dr Duvalier in Haiti was local. But they cared only for THEMSELVES and destroyed their countries in the process. The NDP is about the NDP, their families, friends and cronies. They take it to the next level. They will do and say anything to stay in power. There are several local companies in this territory. You can guess the ones with connections by looking at the major government spending.
  • The Poles will tell the tale (13/05/2015, 20:04) Like (60) Dislike (4) Reply
    The poles will speak on Election Day. That is one big mistake the NDP government made. They cut our money in half and then give us full after being bugged about it by the opposition. I hope they realize the Public Service is made up of 3000 plus people. The poles will tell the tale. we cannot get a increase across the board and cost of living going up. Salaries are to be revised every five years. Don't worry the poles will tell the tale. It's almost 10 years without a salary revision. Hospital staff cannot get increments for years.
    • Private Sector crying too (14/05/2015, 14:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well some of us in the private sector haven't seen a raise since the markets went bust in 2007 and we work hard... So when public sector employees complain about receiving half of the increment, it’s just amazing... However, Nurses, Teachers, Police and Fire Officers are the pinnacle of our society and should receive just reward.
  • power (13/05/2015, 20:20) Like (40) Dislike (2) Reply
    Vote vip all the way public officer used to have their increments on time we don't want ndp they too wicked I can't wait to kick them put June 8
  • staff (13/05/2015, 20:30) Like (82) Dislike (4) Reply
    Go ahead Mr smith enjoy every little bit of it June 8 you will see how action speak louder than word
    Wicked people
    • Wendy (14/05/2015, 13:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes he deserves to get some deserved rest along wit the other ministerswho are self made educated individuals long before you came along.
    • yes (15/05/2015, 16:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      YESSAH!!!!! BOOM!!! OUT!!!
  • Jaime (13/05/2015, 20:35) Like (76) Dislike (1) Reply
    They withheld the increments and didnt think about how it would hurt the civil servants especially the junior staff. Their bread already butter so they dont care. I know alot of people still waiting on the 2013 increment. Departure tax gone up, ferry charging $3 per bag, work permit, exemption, birth death and marriage certificates, belonger cards and passport fees also gone up. Bank interest rate is another case by itself. Dont talk about mortgage fee. I could go on and on.
  • reality (13/05/2015, 20:49) Like (57) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dr. Smith and his propaganda machine continues to lie to electorate having us 2 be FOOLS. U know why u took withheld the increments of hard working civil servants who had already earned their increments. U did it 2 accommodate paying u friends and family who got u elected billions of taxpayers dollars after U fool us the last time about the country broke when u fully knew it was a lie. U will pay this time around VIP all the way.
  • Welsah (13/05/2015, 21:30) Like (40) Dislike (1) Reply

    This man is a real puppet on a string! Whatever his associates say he go to the podium and say. He too soft,get him out of here. They don't care about the small man. They care about theirselves and what they can get out of ppl hard earn money. Ppl working hard for them to go out and do sh!t with it. Imagine that. Can't raise ppl pay check because of what "other things" please list out those other things let the public know. In the HOA mark said he don't have to account for 7 million. Ummmm YES YOU DO!! Get them out vote VIP ALL THE WAY!!! I've had enough of the corruption and wicked ppl who all for themselves.

  • For the BVI (13/05/2015, 21:31) Like (16) Dislike (53) Reply
    All these bloggers clearly didn't follow the territory over the 3 1/2 years. UK was in the brink of coming to take over these islands if the NDP didn't find ways to put the country back on track after the recession and how the VIP was sending stupid monies when they should have reserved it for hard times. Seems like you all forgot the millions of dollars they had the territory in debt and in the negatives. The NDP had to try and find ways to generate revenue for the territory to get it back on its feet.

    The VIP spoil you'll citizens to much that you'll get so comfortable with the government doing everything for you and not trying and help yourselves. They had to put the country first to generate revenue before they really start helping everyone. And they have done for the country to generate revenue and will continue to do so and can now help people more. They had to put the country first in mind then they people considing the site the VIP left it in.
    • my 3 cents (14/05/2015, 11:23) Like (30) Dislike (0) Reply
      First off what kind of nonsense you talking? You going tell people that work hard and earn their increments that they got comfortable with government doing everything for them and not trying to help themselves?

      Are you saying that it was government who worked for the increments and are just doing the people of the VI a favor by giving them an increment?

      I would also like to highlight the fact that it is so strange or should I say convenient that government is all of a sudden paying increments on the eve of them calling a snap election.

      I guess the country's financial state got "good" right before the call for elections. Don't be fooled people think logically and wisely, these are political ploys to influence you into voting for them under the pretense that they did something nice for you by giving you an increment.

      When in reality its not because they should have been giving these increments all along.
  • Warrior's wife (13/05/2015, 21:35) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    My police hussy didnt get any increment. Problems with the two of us if he vote NDP that he still support. Gov seems to hate the police for real.
  • ooooo (13/05/2015, 21:41) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    the money was used for the fireworks....the NDP better go find those 10 missing dogs
  • NDP heckler (13/05/2015, 21:45) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shaina, Cromwel, Lorna and the other consultants are products of the said money.
  • vip (13/05/2015, 21:48) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dr Smith and his gang walked off the job before his 4 year contract expired so leh we punish them all on election day.
  • ABC (13/05/2015, 22:01) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    As so many have said, "I feel for Dr. Smith, he is being taken advantage of by people like Myron and Mark." The dander is, his time is short as Myron is already making his move to captain the ship, much to that miserable lady's displeasure. That is when we will all play, "ring a ring of roses and we all fall down."
  • elf (13/05/2015, 22:16) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Blatant Lying to people and expecting them to vote for you? Seize the time Mr baker son.
  • BVIslander (13/05/2015, 22:17) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    I cant believe I have come to a point that I really hate politicians. to me they are all scandals who just want to get in do there 4yrs and make money. They donot care about us, high bank interest rates, high food prices.There is no control over these things. They just do things at the last minute to fool us that they are doing something. term after term same last minute changes being made because another term is at end. No increments for 10yrs, placing a board over the hospital just because 75% cant vote and to hell with the 25% locals. I definitely will encourage my children to work hard and go to school in the states and stay there reap their accomplishments because the BVI doesn't appreciate there knowledge. The bvi will always have a brain drain because the leaders only think of themselves and how to make money for themselves and family. b!@#$%it!!!!
  • Eagle Eye (13/05/2015, 22:50) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Other things like what pay your friends and family because only them getting all the contracts and what happen to this minimum wage thing like it sweep under the rug now and up to yet no increment so that mean no vote for NDP as well, I see nothing wrong in that
    • WELCOME u.k. (14/05/2015, 00:11) Like (15) Dislike (17) Reply
      WE CONTINUE TO RANT AN RAVE ABOUT THIS GOVERNMENT AND LET THE PAST ADMINISTRETION CONTROL OUR MENTAKLITY WITH THEIR MANIPULATARY TACTICS. WE ALL FORGET THAT ITS THE PAST ADMINISTRATION THAT GOT US HERE. N D P WITH STRONG RESOLVE STEADIED THE SHIP AND MOST IMPORTANTLY KEPT THE CIVIL SERVANTS IN JOBS ;CHECK FROM TRINIDAD AN BARBADOSOUR CARIBBEANNEIGHBOURS IN THE EAST AN RIGHT DOWM THE CHAIN ; THERE HAVE BEENNUMEROUS LAY OFFS AN CLOSE TO HOME RIGHT THERE IN THE U S VI THEY HAVE LAID OFF HUNDREDS N DP HAS DONE AWONDERFUL JOB 10 YEARS NO INCREMENTS THAT MEANS V I P 61/2 YEARS NO INCREMENTS AN N D P 3 1/2 YEARS NO INCREMENTS. WHAT DO WE PREFERA A PAYCHECK WITH A FEW DOLLARS MORE OR NO PAY CHECK AT ALL . N D P YOU DID GOOD YOU TAKING US FORWARDAN AWAY FROM THE U K TAKE OVER ; WE ACANT RISK THAT AGAIN; N D P ALL THE WAY AGAIN I CAN WAIT A LITTLE LONGER FOR MY INCREMENT
  • E. Leonard (13/05/2015, 23:44) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Employees are the primary and most important important resources in an organization but too often they are treated as a secondary resource. They are treated as overhead and not like the important resources that they are. Organizations typically find the the money to take care of other resources, ie, construction equipment , information and technology assets, facilities, infrastructure.......etc but when it comes to personnel resources the urgency is not there.

    Employees make things happen in an organization; they make things happen and are king and queen makers. As such employees should be valued, treated with dignity, recognized and rewarded for top performance, treated equitably and fairly, provided needed support, delegated tasks and empowering them, engage in participative planning and problem solving, provided clear expectations and performance standards.....etc. From this list, money is not the only motivator but it is a great motivator, especially with the skyrocketing cost of living.
  • Valley Political Analyst (14/05/2015, 00:07) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    They moving on action speaks louder than words....this is definitely saying they don't care how the public servants feel.... It's a shame
  • my 3 cents (14/05/2015, 00:58) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    So what happen to the increments for statutory bodies like port authority and hlscc? I for one don't like bullish.

    How you as a big minister of finance could go up on a podium and tell people that increment money that they earned was used for "Other Things".

    Dr. Smith are you a sensible man or are you a puppet? An intelligent man will go up there and list these "Other Things", to give the people a little bit of confidence in what your administration did with the money owed to them.

    Its almost like you rob the civil servants of the Virgin Islands and then come and say don't worry my good people we know we take your money but we put it to good use. However we cannot give details on what these good things are but just know they went to "other things".

    Who is this government believe they are fooling? You really going take my money and tell me you use it on "Other Things"? See them votes I owe to the your government on election day? Guess what?

    My votes will be used for 'other parties’ – My 3 Cents
    • wow (14/05/2015, 16:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      pure rubbish the Premier is talking, up to now some of the Public Officers have not received their increments. In addition Public Officers were only awarded one of their outstanding increments which is for 2013. What happen to the other increment that they are owed for 2014. It's quite obvious that officers were given one of the increments to hush them up.

      I hope Public Officers are not fooled because if the NDP is elected once again please know that you wouldn't be getting your 2014 increments. They are using pure tactics on black people hence the reason we have so much stealing and dishonesty going on in this country. When persons can't afford to put food on their table they have to write to these same ministers seeking assistance from them.
  • kids (14/05/2015, 01:34) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Smith you to lie tired of you
  • power (14/05/2015, 03:54) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    People of the BVI, the candidates do not hold any power until you give it to them. Think logically about who can serve this country well and who are genuine in doing so and not self-serving. Stop thinking party itself. Give the power to those who can do the best job. Food for thought...
  • Well (14/05/2015, 04:21) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Premier must tell the truth. He very well know that he and his party held up civil servants increments so the money could be used to give big contracts to two of his men who ran on the NDP slate and lost the election. One was put in trade the next one as consultant dealing with ports hence the dirty deals with the ports pier. He is now the big one at ports after a man who gave all his service to this country was pushed out. Check the surname and check out why he ran home.
  • dem say (14/05/2015, 04:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Your words say one thing but you spend, spend abd spend and the poor t tax payers are who are suffering. I have RESPECT doc
  • wize up (14/05/2015, 05:45) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Don't worry we have power by the polls to kick them out. Vip all the way
  • mother hen (14/05/2015, 07:31) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    voters are getting smart....please work with your mouth shut!
  • my2cents (14/05/2015, 07:37) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have been asking for street lights in a paticular residential area for years, no responses to our cry. But a certain politician build his house in the area and in less than six months of completion he now has two street lights by house. Yes I expect that he would get preference cause he is one of them, but come on we are people too. And by the way, doesn't matter who's in power they all are the same.
  • JG Wentworth (14/05/2015, 08:59) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its my money and I need it now
  • IT HAS BECOME A P.O.P.P.Y.S.H.O.W (14/05/2015, 11:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    V.I.P. , N.D.P. , P.E.P. , P.P.A. , U.P.P. and even the, INDIPENDS.., I am sick of all of you just talking P.I.S.S.Y. P.O.L.I.T.I.C.S. and looking P.O.W.E.R. I don’t see any solid P.L.A.N.S ….N.O.T. .O.N.E. And your overnight one to two page points you all call your platforms will not fool the P.E.O.P.L.E. There is no P.A.T.R.I.O.T.I.S.M. in any of you. Voting has become very P.A.I.N.F.U.L. for some of us and we won’t see P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S. in this country until we become P.A.T.R.I.O.T.I.C. We are experiencing P.I.S.S.Y. P.O.L.I.T.I.C.S. in this country. There is no real P.O.L.I.T.I.C.S. here……P.U.R.E. P.O.P.P.Y.S.H.O.W.N.E.S.S. >>>>P.A.T.R.I.O.T.I.S.M. = P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S.!!!
    • Blame NDP (14/05/2015, 18:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      they are the one's calling the snap election. Not only could other candidates have come out as independents with more time but the party candidates would have more time to give more speeches thereby not having to forces 10-15 plans in a 10 minute speech. The candidates are trying to keep their speeches interesting while still giving substance but this snap election has just rushed every step of the process
  • Vi girl (14/05/2015, 12:32) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    You guys crying because you aint get increment in two years....really? You have a job whereas some dont. Things happen. I work private and I aint get in 3 years and the likkle bonus smaller than what I put in for gas a month. Stuppes
    • Have you walked in my shoes? (18/05/2015, 14:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Civil Servants do not get bonuses as some private company employees do sometimes twice per year. Our increments can be as little as $25 per pay period ($50 per month) which is what I spend on gas a week. do not compare apples and oranges.
  • Other things (14/05/2015, 13:08) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    Other things like what? Please list
  • Wendy (14/05/2015, 13:20) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
    The solution would be to permanently lay off some of thr civil servants. That would help the BVI financially and give a wakeup call to these ungrateful gov workers.
  • Trust Company Worker (14/05/2015, 15:48) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Government workers should appreciate their jobs, rather than increments. I had a co-worker always fussing about raise and bonuses and was never thankful for her job. The first set of employees lay-off she was one. Only now she realize that she should have been fighting for a job and not an increase.

    Things take time and we have to learn to appreciate the current things that we have.

    I don't see any reason for changing the current government
  • Clarity (14/05/2015, 18:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    No one is complaining about not getting the increments, but you cannot just tell people you used the monies on "other things" and expect the public to be okay with that answer
  • tretretrete (14/05/2015, 19:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    who gave you the right! you live your lavish life while the rest of us punish!! You are wrong! There is no right in what you did to us!
  • The Weary (14/05/2015, 20:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is a group of people who works 24hours around the clock.
    Hospital workers. No increments for four years.
    Not even a promise. I think they are voters too.
    Who is going to ensure they get pay?
    • okay (14/05/2015, 21:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The people working for health services that can vote are in the minority, and of course half of them too fed up, and are not going to the polls.
  • self (14/05/2015, 23:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Talking to self..........You hear that? Play it again, no say it again.......please. We use it for other things........other things? Why yes chap. ......like Cromwell, Shananah, and speech writer, and ...... Yes, yes, yes a few no a few more but it was worth it. Explain.......ok Shainanah is now on our side, Crommie has lost credibility but the gain was good, yes gooooood. Who bawl, crawl, snarl and fall when the recession nope stabilization was in play am sorry for them but I won't brag but hah money gooood. How much they say it was again? .......over $17,000.000.00......big ones. So they take that amount to give to Consultants while I catching hell to take care of my everyday? Living paycheck to paychecks? Everything gone up except pay eh? No, no wait it coming soon
  • How about this (18/05/2015, 14:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A better $olution would be to $end your a$$ and your friend$ home and give belonger$ your job$.


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